Making my first trip to Turlock but have been to Portland several times. How do these two compare in size. Is there a trick as to where to park so I don't have to lug the parts I buy 10 miles. Any other hints I should know. thanks, ryan
Turlock is a great swap meet. My family and friends try to make it every year. I would say its a little smaller then Portland but it is definitely comparable. Make sure you bring your rain gear as chances are you are going to need it.
The biggest parking area is on Soderquist Rd which is on the west side of the fairgrounds, no matter where you park it's a walk, but as mentioned they have golf carts and a few motivated youngsters with wagons to get your parts out to your vehicle. When you spot one of these kids get their cell number (most have one) so you can alert them when you are ready...works for me.
Google Earth 'stanislaus county fairgrounds, turlock, ca.' The fairgrounds are shaped like a pass side wing window. There's a large open field to the left for parking. At the top of the wing window is a smaller paved lot with a white roofed building. If your parts are at that end of the swap you can park there temporarily to load up. Like LostHope said, there are guys that'll deliver your parts for a small fee. Last year when I bought my '38 front end, the seller let me borrow his vendor pass to drive onto the grounds. Drove right up to his space and loaded up! Something to think about. One trick. If you go at sunrise you can probably take the Fulkerth Rd. exit off Hwy 99 but if it's 10am or later, stay far, far away from Fulkerth! The first time I went it took over an hour to get from the freeway to the fairgrounds. It's like.....a mile! If southbound on 99, go past Fulkerth and take the W. Main st offramp. Go east on W. Main then turn left on N. Soderquist rd. It's the back way in and will take you right to the parking lot - no traffic at all. BTW, forecast calls for sunny and clear all weekend! See ya there!
The cool thing about Portland is that there are two swaps goin on at the same time. One at the expo the other at the drag strip...down the street! I go to Portland every year. Its a hoot man. Would not miss it. I always tape a piece of paper to my coat that says HAMBER! See ya there.
I have driven from Los Angeles on a Friday night, and stayed in the Turlock motel. My wife and I take along a small wagon (I bought from there years ago" for $15. That my helper, I have bought running boards for my 1953 chevy truck there for $30. What a deal! I usually arrive early and park by the tracks, a short distance from the entrance. It gets pretty crowded, so arrive early. Take some warm clothing, and some confortable shoes because you'll be doing some walking! Reno, Nev. has like their separate swap meet on the north side. They have a lot of good old & antique Ford stuff, and antiques. I love it there. I want to go but I just got over an operation. I need a pair of dummy spotlights for my car, but I am trying to find a driver to drive my wife & I. oldie62 Greg
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